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Extraordinary goalgetter Erling Haaland will get a chance to play in his first major tournament next summer, after leading Norway to the World Cup.

Furthermore, the 25-year-old Premier League striker achieved it with sensational style, scoring 16 goals in eight World Cup qualifying matches - finding the back of the net consistently in every one of those games.

This establishes him as the leading goalscorer in 2026 World Cup qualification in every region.

Additionally, his national team's 4-1 win against Italy on Sunday, where Haaland scored twice, ensures they will playing in next summer's World Cup in the American continent.

Haaland stated following the match: "I'm delighted, but primarily relieved. There's considerable expectation and things, and I sense it. But it's enjoyable."

This represents just their fourth World Cup, and their initial international competition since Euro 2000.

The Crucial Role Was Haaland's Contribution?

His goal tally for Norway is absolutely remarkable.

He has hit 55 goals in 48 matches for the national team.

And in fact he is only the sixth player ever, and the initial one in over five decades, to score 50 goals in under 50 international games.

The team's earlier leading goalscorer was Juve with 33 strikes, who maintained that achievement for almost a century.

In these qualifiers he netted 16 strikes - in eight games - plus two goal contributions.

This amounts to double the goal count anyone else has registered in European qualifying.

He stands as the leading goalscorer in these preliminary games in every region, including ones where squads compete twice as more games.

More than twelve months has elapsed since Haaland last failed to score in a international appearance.

Collective Performance Alongside Haaland

But it is not solely about one player.

Team leader Martin Odegaard, 26, has greater goal contributions than any other player in European preliminary matches - seven assists.

The London club's midfielder has played 67 times for Norway since his first appearance at the age of 15.

"Pair Haaland's achievements with the fact that in this generation we additionally possess Martin Odegaard," commented an analyst.

We're a country of five million people and we possess both the top forward and I'd suggest the best playmaker, definitely among the top creators, in the English top flight.

Historical Relevance of Qualification

For the premier occasion in many years Norway fans will experience the joy of supporting their national side in worldwide event.

The Scandinavian country featured in the World Cups in 1998, 1994 and 1938, and the 2000 Euros.

Erling's dad, Alf Inge, participated in the 1994 competition.

The striker has mentioned before exceeding his father was a significant personal target for him.

"Norway will never win the World Cup," the striker mentioned to an international magazine earlier this year.

Dodging Historical Exclusion

Haaland's qualification for next summer's World Cup with Norway ensures he escapes his inclusion on the roster of legendary footballers who never featured in one.

Three golden ball recipients couldn't manage to reach a World Cup.

George Weah, who won trophies with various top teams, featured for Liberia - who have never reached a World Cup.

Iconic Manchester United winger the footballing genius, considered by many as among the best ever, was a Northern Ireland international during the 1960s and 70s when they did not qualify.

Los Blancos icon Alfredo di Stefano featured for three countries - Colombia, Spain and Argentina - but didn't make it to a World Cup with any national team.